United Capital Plc projects that Nigeria’s interest rates will stay elevated throughout the second half of 2026 as inflationary pressures persist. During an investor roundtable in Lagos, Group CEO Peter Ashade noted that inflation remains above central bank targets, largely fueled by oil supply disruptions linked to the conflict between the US and Iran. Consequently, these conditions have driven up global bond yields, including the US 10-year Treasury.
Despite the challenging economic environment, United Capital reported significant growth for the first half of 2026. The firm achieved a 77.5 percent increase in profit after tax, reaching N21.10 billion, while gross earnings rose by 57.8 percent to N37.49 billion. This performance was attributed to higher trading income and strong results across its core financial service units.
Operational efficiency also improved, with the company’s cost-to-income ratio dropping to 44 percent. By the end of June 2026, the group’s shareholders’ funds grew to N187.09 billion, and its total assets reached N1.64 trillion. Notably, the firm’s asset management division now oversees more than N1 trillion for a diverse client base.
Looking ahead, Ashade acknowledged that high interest rates and increased funding competition will shape the remainder of the year. To maintain momentum, United Capital plans to emphasize digital transformation, regional expansion across Africa, and continued product innovation to solidify its standing in the investment sector.
